How the 'pile decluttering' method can help beat mess overwhelm
For anyone in need of a quick-fix to unruly mess, the 'pile decluttering' method is popular as it's a simple way to clear and organise items quickly.
There are a few variations on the pile decluttering method when it comes to the number of piles used and how they're categorised, but the premise remains the same.
In a nutshell, this decluttering method refers to gathering all the items in one space you want to organise into one pile and then separating them into smaller piles depending on the categories you want to use — usually keep, donate/sell, or throw away.
This means you then have a blank slate to work with and can put everything in the 'keep' pile away in a more organised fashion.
We asked professional organiser Liz Mansell, of LM Homesort, to talk us through the basics of the pile decluttering method and explain just why it's so effective.
What is the pile decluttering method?
"The ‘pile method’ is a really simple way of taking the overwhelm out of a disorganised space and, most importantly, doing it quickly," professional declutterer Liz Mansell tells Country Living.
"Let’s take a work desk, for example," she continues. "A space where you need to be productive and have mental clarity, yet the piles of paper, folders, stationary or coffee cups are taking over the space, creating a blocker for creativity.
"Using the pile method removes the stress and brings the focus back. The pile method involves collecting all the unorganised items together in any given area or space and making one big pile of items.
"Instantly, the chaos of the desk is now a space of only organised items, where you can now work easily and be more productive and creative."
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What is the 'one-a-day' decluttering method?
It's a great option for those who feel overwhelmed
What are the three piles for decluttering?
There are thought to be three piles typically used for the pile decluttering method.
Generally, these are 'keep', 'donate/sell' and 'discard'. But before separating items into these three piles, you could also use different piles for types of items to gain some order initially.
People will also then often separate the 'keep' pile into sections according to where they live in the room — and there are usually some rogue items that have made their way into the wrong room as well, which will need a new home.
What are the key steps for the pile decluttering method?
"After making the first initial pile of things to be organised, it’s now time to start categorising into smaller piles," Liz Mansell explains.
As well as the main three piles discussed, Liz recommends organising items by type — similar to the 'Organisational Triangle' decluttering method — to streamline the process.
She suggests: "For example, if you’re sorting paperwork, keep like with like, such as bills in one pile, medical letters in another pile, school correspondence in another, and so on.
"If it’s clothes, the same rules apply for categorising: make a pile of trousers, another for jumpers, another for T-shirts and so on. With clothes in particular, it’s important to note that you will also need a ‘discard’ pile' or a ‘charity’ pile."
After sorting through until you have finished sub-categorising, Liz explains it’s time to filter the items back into the original space and get rid of the charity/discard pile.
The home organised adds: "If you’re sorting clothes, the same applies: hang like with like, fold like with like, which provides a system of organisation."
To summarise, the key steps for the pile decluttering method are:
Choose a space to declutter.
Empty everything into one big pile to sort through.
Decide on your categories — usually keep, donate/sell and discard, plus any subcategories.
Sort through the pile, making decisions quickly.
Discard unwanted items according to their type (rubbish/recycling). This will clear space quickly.
Find homes for kept items and return them using a 'like for like' method. Some items may need to go into storage.
Deal with donation and sell piles — visit a local charity shop or look into eBay or Vinted to sell items.
Why is the pile method so effective?
"The pile method is a super effective way of decluttering and organising as it removes the overwhelm," Liz Mansell explains.
"By taking the items away from the chaotic space, sorting them out, and then only filtering back in once the items are known to be needed, it breaks them down into smaller, much more manageable tasks."
The home organiser continues: "This means we are more likely to finish what was started and not feel overwhelmed, leaving you with a clear, organised space."
How does the pile method measure up to other decluttering methods?
According to professional declutter Liz Mansell, the pile method works so well as it's a realistic way to declutter. "The pile method, or as I would call it, the categorising method, is by far superior in terms of other methods," she tells us.
"Many home organisers like to make rules, such as ‘one in, one out’ or ‘declutter 30 things in 30 minutes’, yet they are not as realistic as they don’t enable us to get stuck in.
"The pile method keeps things simple, and you can choose to do whatever size area you have the time for. If you only have 20 minutes, perhaps choose one shelf. If you have an hour, choose one cupboard. Creating rules around decluttering and organising just sets you up for failure."
Organising your bookshelf
A bookshelf can look chaotic and cluttered if books are left to pile up as they please without creating any order. This is a nice example of how to colour code your books – without being overly prescriptive – to create some semblance of organisation.
Pictured: Country Living Syon Natural Rug at Carpetright
Curtains to hide the mess
Hiding the clutter is a perfectly reasonable – and realistic – solution in a utility or boot room where there is a requisite level of household mess. This attractive solution is a bit of a covert money-saver too where curtains can be hung instead of replacing worn out or dated cabinets.
Read more: 21 utility room ideas to make the most of extra space
Trays
Trays are a creative cheat code when decluttering because they provide opportunity to display your treasures but keep everything in a single and neatly-contained spot that can be moved in a pinch.
Pictured: Country Living Witcombe Left Hand Facing 4 Seater Chaise at DFS and scalloped cushion from a selection at Birdie Fortescue
Create a feature
Living with less clutter does mean investing in more storage solutions, but you can create something inspiring in this instance. This charming and rustic home uses an oar to hold the usual hallway clutter of coats and bags and dog leads.
Read more: Hallway ideas to create the perfect entrance
Internal storage
A clutter free home needs clever storage solutions beyond the usual cupboards and draws, especially in the kitchen where clutter naturally accrues. Spice racks can free up space on shelves, baskets can hook on the backs of doors and magnetic strips can hold large utensils. In doing so, your counters can be freed up for select decoration.
Pictured: Country Living Whitstable Kitchen at Homebase
Single statements
For those who wish to declutter but fear losing decorative touches in the home, a single statement can be far more impactful and considerably less messy than a crowd of trinkets and accessories. Scale is important here – a huge expanse of wall with a tiny print will look underwhelming, but hang a large quilt, and it is an interesting and unfussy way to fill walls without overdoing it.
Read more: How to style and display accessories in your home
Built-in display
If your home is full of decorative accessories, contain them to a single unit or bookcase rather than allowing them to spread out across a room. This is a particularly lovely example of a built-in bookcase because of the varying heights of the shelves – a lack of uniformity like this can be really charming and interesting to look at.
Read more: How to style and display accessories in your home
Interesting finishes
There is a design case for choosing interesting finishes as your main source of decoration in lieu of the homeware and accessories that cause clutter. This handsome kitchen in Somerset (tour the whole home here) has a striking oak island with a brass worktop as its principal feature, requiring little more than a fruit bowl as a finishing flourish.
Read more: The best kitchen island ideas for a sophisticated and functional feature
Decanting
Some people are loath to decant dried goods into mason jars or fruit and veg into baskets, but if you have an open pantry or any open units in the kitchen, a line of mason jars or some stacked crates will look considerably less cluttered than a sea of supermarket packaging.
Read more: 6 ways to make a kitchen larder work for you
Invest in trunks
Trunks are great for decluttering, but can also be a deceptively useful styling tool. They can sit at the bottom of a bed in lieu of a blanket box, or they can be useful to fix proportions in the home – added on top of a wardrobe to add extra height or at the side of a sofa that is a little too stout.
Read more: Pieces you should never pass up at an antiques market
Pots and baskets
Much like our living room tray, pots and baskets can be used to contain clutter in a bathroom. While there are plenty of plain ceramic and glass options available – something like a little painted pot or a wooden trinket box is a touch more interesting.
Read more: Small bathroom ideas: tips and tricks for compact spaces
A laundry maid
Short of totally hiding your utility room clutter behind curtains and cupboards, you can use a charming laundry maid like this version from deVOL to keep freshly-washed laundry and linens up and away from your floors and surfaces.
Pictured: The Laundry Maid by deVOL
Bench storage
The return of the breakfast nook is one of our favourite design trends of recent years. Usually featuring a handsome upholstered bench, this clever version includes storage in its seat to add invaluable storage to a kitchen.
Pictured: Breakfast nook in the home of Cathy Nordström, designed by Inuti Design
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